The Norwegian oil economy

In a previous issue of Geojournal, Stenstadvold (1977) discussed the regional and structural effects of North Sea oil in Norway. Stenstadvold's article gave a detailed account of the oil-related industries and service bases on the Norwegian coast and their location. Since few changes have taken place in this location pattern since 1977, it is not discussed here. The aim of this article is to discuss the reasoning underlying present Norwegian oil policy and to give an account of the arguments relating to future pipeline systems, exploration and production aims, and their possible regional and structural effects. The development of licencing, exploration and field development since 1977 is discussed, and the effects on employment and foreign economy are analysed.